Hyderabad: It is a rare opportunity to witness history as it unfolds. I am one of the fortunate ones who saw the formation of the Telangana state from really close quarters. Right from the time the agitation picked up pace in the past 13 years to the moment when K Chandrasekhar Rao was sworn in as its first Chief Minister on Monday morning it was eventful and sustained and sometimes worrisome as to when and where it would conclude. There was a lot of unrest and I actually saw how development had stalled the undivided Andhra Pradesh in the past five years.
Let me introduce myself. I am a popular TV journalist who has a good viewer-base in both the states now. I was born, raised and educated in Hyderabad - now a part of Telangana. This is perhaps why I woke up with a sense of preparation to watch the swearing in. There was an undercurrent of emotion in me which I never knew I had. As KCR took oath, I was moved to see that the struggle has finally yielded results and I went back into the memories of having witnessed years of media-bashing on the issue, with the TRS facing severe criticism and comments on their demeanour and aggressive stance.
Being a journalist and a popular TV anchor I have debated the issue at multiple levels on my TV shows in a channel that stood for unified or united state. It was a challenge and at times I even had the numero uno KCR call me up during my show on his own and talk to me live, gently reprimanding the discussion. At other times I have been at universities where lathicharge were happening and students were so passionately shouting slogans. Many of us media people thought it would go on and on but the Centre would never yield. But today, it is a new story. Persistence did bring in the result. During the entire period of being discussed, criticised and taunted, the TRS never budged nor did it find easy alternatives. The other parties did find ways to hide and negotiate, but not the TRS. The leaders vehemently fought against all odds and realized their dream of getting their own state. The political situation also added momentum to the announcement of Telangana.
Today as I drive in Hyderabad on the first day of this new state there is a relief, a subdued celebration and also an anticipation of what next. On the other hand I am unable to ignore a small percentage of a feeling of loss in a few people who perhaps wanted to stay united. A few feel insecure about restarting in the new AP. Tank bund has banners of the new T and there are pink ribbons all over the city. But overall there is promise that both states will grow, prosper and create a mark in the Indian map. There are many issues to be sorted out. The unrest may go on till the leadership assumes charge and addresses all aspects but the matter is settled at least for now.
As a Hyderabadi, I feel elated that clarity has prevailed but a bit strange too that my postal address will now be Telangana. I wish both the governments and the states all the best.
Swapna has been a popular TV journalist and anchor. She has earlier worked with leading TV channels like TV9 and Sakshi. She is presently doing a current affairs programme on Gemini TV run by Sun TV network.
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